How the Louvre Turned From Medieval Fortress to World-Famous Museum

Here, we look at the history of the Louvre Museum, from its medieval roots as the Louvre Palace to its present-day role as the world's most visited museum. We present a timeline of its history, including Louvre facts and information about the famous Louvre Pyramid.

March 4, 2018 · 1 min · 147 words · Daisy Sweeney

Before housingfamous sculpturesand paintings, the Louvre was home to France’s kings and queens.

Kings, however, made use of the structure, employing it as a safe hideout during riots.

It served this makeshift purpose until 1528, whenKing Francois Iofficially declared the Louvre as his place of residence.

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

Bottom photo:King of HeartsviaWikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 3.0)

Tres Riches Heures du duc de Berry' (ca.

(Photo: R.M.N.

It officially opened its doors on August 10, 1793 underKing Louis XVI.

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

Photo:Universiteitsbibliotheek Vrĳe UniversiteitviaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain {PD-US})

In 1989, I.M.

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

Photo:Réunion des musées nationaux et du Grand Palais des Champs-ÉlyséesviaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain)

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

‘Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry' (ca. 1440) (Photo: R.M.N. / R.-G. Ojéda viaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain {PD-US}))

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

The Louvre in 1600 (Photo:Henri-V.CultureviaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain {PD-US}))

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

The Apollo Gallery (Photo:Rob BendallviaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain))

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

Hubert Robert, ‘Projet d’aménagement de la Grande Galerie du Louvre' (1706) (Photo:MOSSOTviaWikimedia Commons(Public Domain {PD-US}))

History of the Louvre Facts Louvre Fortress Louvre Palace Louvre Museum

Photo:EukuviaWikimedia Commons(GNU FDL)